fairly on the way. All being well he would reach Little Trent in good
time on the morning of the meeting.

None of his friends knew he was coming except Fred Skane, the trainer.
His brief telegram to Eve said nothing about it. She was overwhelmed
with joy to hear from him that he was really safe and well.

Being a sensible woman she determined to celebrate Alan's good news by
taking a large party of friends to Trent Park to see Bandmaster win.
Fred Skane said to her:

"I think he'll win, but I wish Captain Chesney was here to ride him.
It would be 'a cert' then."

CHAPTER XXVI

THE RIDER IN KHAKI

A splendid four-mile was planned out at Trent Park, a real test for
chasers, almost up to the famous Aintree Grand National journey. There
were stiff fences, two water jumps, some plough lane, and excellent
going on grass. The horse that won would be a good 'un.

Bandmaster had done a great preparation. The trainer did not spare
him; he had been over the course three or four times.

Sam Kerridge's son Will was to ride in the event of Captain Chesney's
not being able to do so.

It was a clear, bright, sharp morning, and from an early hour motors
and buses came by road. There was every promise of a big gathering
even without the use of train service. Keen sportsmen were not to be
denied the pleasure of such a meeting by any inconveniences they might
have to put up with.

Eve Berkeley and her house party arrived in good time. Duncan Fraser
was one, he attached himself to Ella Hallam. She could not fail to
notice he was attracted. She liked him, his sterling worth appealed to
her and Eve was always singing his praises.

Bernard Hallam was friendly with him. He was not at all displeased to
notice Fraser and Ella were on excellent terms. He was partial to keen
business men and such an one was Duncan Fraser.

There were three events before the Trent Grand Steeplechase, but the
chief interest was centered in the big event, on which there was a lot
of wagering.

Baron Childs was running Handy Man, a formidable steeplechaser who had
missed the Grand National by an ace on two occasions. He was fully
expected to make amends for two unlucky seconds at Aintree.

There was an interval of nearly an hour between the third event and the
Steeplechase. The time was occupied in wagering and looking at the
twenty-seven runners.

Bandmaster was favorite, the popularity of his owner had much to do
with this.